One of the top bantamweight prospects will remain in Bellator as Darrion Caldwell has signed a multi fight, multi-year contract extension with the California based mixed martial arts promotion.

The contract extension was announced by Caldwell during Monday’s episode of The MMA Hour on MMA Fighting.

“Darrion is a fighter who I really think has that x-factor,” said President Scott Coker. “After his last fight, I looked at our matchmaker and I just said, ‘Wow, this is kid is exploding with talent.’ I’m very happy we were able to get this deal done and I look forward to seeing this star rise for years to come.”

Caldwell (9-0) has won six of his nine fights in Bellator and is coming off a dominating victory against former Bellator champion Joe Warren at Bellator 151. Three of his six wins in Bellator have come at bantamweight and he is expected to face the winner of the upcoming bantamweight title fight between champion Marcos Galvao and former champion Eduardo Dantas.

“Bellator has been nothing but good to me,” Caldwell stated on The MMA Hour. “They saw my talent early on in my career and they came after me. I’m here to let everyone know I’m going to continue my talents at Bellator MMA. With Bellator jumping on board, it’s time to get married. I’m in it for the long run.”